KELLY College is to build a £400,000 Astro-turf all-weather pitch.

The announcement was made by headmaster Mark Turner in front of 750 assembled parents, pupils and staff at the annual Founder's Day on Saturday.

He said: 'I am delighted that increased pupil numbers and confidence for the future have enabled us to embark on this ambitious project.'

Mr Turner said building would start this autumn. The pitch will be fully floodlit and will greatly improve the opportunities for playing hockey, tennis and football to a high level.

'I very much hope the pitch will be used, not just by pupils, but by the clubs and sporting community of the West Devon area.'

Chairman of governors and former mayor of Tavistock John Wright was delighted with the news.

'This is a major development for the college which will give us state of the art facilities for the 21st century,' he said.

Kelly College currently has a number of full international sportsmen and women within its ranks who are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Old Kelleians Sharron Davis, Kate Allenby and Adedayo Adebeyo.

Mr Turner said the encouraging picture of the college has allowed Kelly to plan for the future.

'Besides the new pitch we will be working had to improve the facilities of our existing facilities.'

He said School House would be refurbished and decorated during the summer and more work would be done to ensure the school wide Intranet connections are in place.

At the Junior School numbers were higher than at any time in its history — having moved from 78 to 130 over the last three years.

'Such is the demand for space that work will begin on the construction of an extra classroom over the holiday which should be ready for the beginning of term in September. This £60,000 scheme will dramatically improve the teaching environment for many pupils.'

Mr Turner told the Founder's Day assembly that academically the past year had been 'both hectic and very successful' with 16 of the college's 20 departments achieving a 100 per cent pass rate at A-level.

He added that overall, 98 per cent of subjects taken were rewarded with pass grades. At GCSE there was a 91 per cent pass rate.

Mr Turner also praised the quality of the teaching at the Junior School which had resulted in 'some outstanding SATS results' plus some very pleasing performances in the college's own entrance test and the 11 plus to grammar schools.

Preacher at the Founder's Day service held in the Parish Church was the Rev Nick McKinnel, Rector of St Andrew's Church, Plymouth.

Major General Andrew Keeling presented the prizes.